Family Pass

Many municipalities in North Rhine-Westphalia offer families with children a family pass. This pass helps families, for example, by providing access to recreational activities or discounts on local shopping. You must apply for the family pass.

Text last updated: 2026-08-25
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Requirements vary by municipality. At a minimum, however, you will need:

  • a form of identification (ID card or passport, or proof of asylum seeker status).

There are no costs.

Simply explained

Many cities and municipalities in North Rhine-Westphalia offer families with children a Family Pass. The goal is to support local families and enable them to actively participate in community life. 

With a Family Pass, parents and their children receive numerous discounts and free admission to cultural, recreational, and educational activities. The exact benefits vary by municipality—often ranging from free museum visits and discounts at swimming pools to reduced course fees.

What requirements must be met?

  • Your primary residence is in the city or municipality that issues the Family Pass.
  • You have minor children living in your household.

In some municipalities, your family’s income must be below a certain income threshold.

What do I get?

The Family Pass offers you and your children financial benefits:

  • With the Family Pass, you can receive discounts on recreational activities offered by regional partner companies and public institutions. These may include, for example, libraries, music schools, zoos, or swimming pools.
  • You can also benefit from discounts when shopping at partner businesses and public institutions. 

The exact discounts and benefits may vary from municipality to municipality. Check your municipality’s website for more information.

Frequently asked questions and answers

Did you already know? More benefits for families

Families are entitled to government benefits

Families and parents with children receive support from the government through various family policy measures. These benefits are intended to provide financial relief to families, enable parents and children to lead a good life, and make it easier to balance family and work. Family policy benefits include, for example, child allowance, the child supplement, advance child support payments, and many other benefits.

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